UFC CEO Dana White has announced a media rights deal that will reshape how fans consume mixed martial arts content. The landmark seven-year agreement with Paramount Plus valued at $7.7 billion, makes the streaming platform the exclusive home for UFC programming starting in 2026.
The deal represents a departure from the traditional pay-per-view model that has defined UFC’s distribution strategy for years. “Not only if you’re a UFC fan, do you get away from the pay-per-view model. Now, you just pay, you know, 12 or $13 a month, whatever it is, and you get all this other programming plus all the UFC content,” White explained during his announcement on CBS Sports HQ.
Averaging $1.1 billion per year, the agreement nearly doubles the value of UFC’s previous deal with Disney and ESPN. The comprehensive package includes 13 numbered events that were previously pay-per-view exclusives, along with 30 fight nights. Notably, select marquee match will also be simulcast on CBS linear television, with White revealing plans for “four big events a year” on traditional broadcast television.
White’s vision extends beyond just streaming distribution. He expressed excitement about the potential for a special event, stating they’re “talking about doing a fight at the White House next year on the 4th of July, the 250th anniversary of America. So imagine a massive fight on the lawn of the White House on CBS.”
The deal aligns UFC with Paramount’s broader content strategy, joining premium programming like South Park, Yellowstone, and Tulsa King. “When you think of these streaming services, live sports is so important because you have to tune in and watch it when it happens,” White noted, emphasizing the value of live sports content in the streaming landscape.
However, it’s important to clarify that while this massive deal encompasses UFC’s primary programming, shows like Dana White’s Contender Series, TUF, and Road to UFC are not included in this CBS/Paramount agreement. These programs will continue under separate arrangements.
White sees this as a return to familiar territory, describing it as being “back home with Paramount” after previous stops at Spike TV, Fox, and ESPN. The deal positions UFC for year-round programming, with White emphasizing, “there is no off time for the UFC. We go every Saturday.”
